Big Bopper, 1930-1959

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The Big Bopper (born Jiles Perry "J. P." Richardson, Jr., October 24, 1930, Sabine Pass, TX–d. February 3, 1959, Clear Lake, IA) was an American musician, songwriter, and disc jockey whose big rockabilly look, style, voice, and exuberant personality made him an early rock and roll star. He is best known for his 1958 recording of "Chantilly Lace".

On February 3, 1959, Richardson died in a plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa, along with music stars Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens and pilot Roger Peterson. The accident was famously referred to as "The Day the Music Died" in Don McLean's 1971 song "American Pie".

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Records of the Civil Aeronautics Board. 1931 - 1984. Minutes of Meetings. 1940 - 1984. Aircraft Accident Report National Archives at College Park
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Holly, Buddy, 1936-1959 person
associatedWith Valens, Ritchie, 1941-1959 person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Clear Lake IA US
Sabine Pass TX US
Subject
Rock music
Occupation
Musicians
Activity

Person

Birth 1930-10-24

Death 1959-02-03

Male

Americans

English

Information

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